James Franklin discusses Penn State spring camp as it nears the halfway point
Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin spoke with the media on Tuesday night for the third week of spring practice. The team is reaching the halfway point for camp and Franklin discussed the team’s progress after practice. Hear his full comments on the Blue White Illustrated YouTube Channel, or embedded in this article.
Franklin discussed how the new Penn State defensive coordinator, Tom Allen, has fit with the team, as well as cornerback Cam Miller.
Penn State head coach James Franklin press conference
Franklin gave an update on the quarterback room so far this spring. Freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer also got a shout out from the head coach about his progress in spring football and what it means for the future.
“I think there is clearly a real healthy competition and back and forth between Drew [Allar] and Beau [Pribula]. That’s been really good. Both have kind of stepped their game up. And then Grunkemeyer is really flashing and doing some nice things right now for a true freshman quarterback. What I’m most excited about is, he’s shown flashes right now. How is he going to be in the summer when he’s had really all spring and all early summer to kind of grind on the playbook,” Franklin said.
Penn State’s new offense is also keeping the defense on it’s toes, especially with young linebackers replacing several starters.
“We’re just starting to get some live work where you really got a chance to evaluate linebackers. It’s hard to do it unless you’re flying around. I do think some of the things that we’re doing offensively, that is different. It’s been challenging. It’s been challenging for the safeties specifically and the linebackers, those two groups.”
Blue-White Game fast approaching
The 2024 Blue White game is scheduled for April 13 at 2 pm. Expect a mostly traditional spring football game from the Nittany Lions. Franklin mentioned earlier this spring that he’s in favor of a full scrimmage in front of fans when the team can manage it.
“We’re hopeful that we’re going to be able to have more of a traditional spring game, which I think has become more and more challenging the last couple of years, and to be honest with you, in college football, it’s been more and more challenging. Seeing a lot of people go away from spring games and have kind of had more of a practice or skills type activity in front of the fans,” Franklin said in his opening spring press conference.
Check out the Penn State Football Tailgate show, which airs live on the Blue White Illustrated YouTube Channel 45 minutes before kickoff. You can also start your weekend in Happy Valley a day early and join BWI Live at Nittany Cards Plus in State College. We’ll be live with a special Blue-White Game preview show at 2 pm on April 12 from inside the store.
